When does breast development occur in girls?

For many teenagers nowadays, they will have physical development symptoms when they reach a certain age. As parents, we should learn more about this aspect and tell our children in time so that they can adapt to the changes in their bodies, which will have a better effect on the healthy development of their children's physical and mental health. Next, I will tell you some health knowledge about the development of girls' breasts.

Before puberty, there is no difference in appearance between boys' and girls' breasts. Starting at age 7 or 8, girls' body systems begin to develop. About 2 years later, breasts begin to develop under the combined action of ovarian hormones, pituitary hormones and insulin. The age of breast development also varies from person to person, with an average of 10.8 to 11.4 years old. If breasts have not developed after the age of 16, you should be alert to whether it is delayed sexual development or ovarian hypoplasia.

1. Breast examination

Girls' breast development usually begins when their nipples start to grow, around the age of 9 to 10 years old. Initially, it is breast hyperplasia, forming a breast nucleus, which feels like a nodule or a small lump and is painful when pressed. Between the ages of 12 and 13, the mammary ducts and subcutaneous fat increase, the breasts become gradually more bulging and elastic, and the color of the areola and nipples becomes darker. The mature breast is hemispherical in shape and is located between the 3rd to 6th ribs.

2. Bra selection

When girls reach the age of 16 to 18, their chest cavity and breasts are almost mature. Use a soft tape measure to measure from the upper bottom of the breast through the nipple to the lower bottom of the breast. If the upper and lower distance is greater than 16cm, they should wear a bra.

The first secondary sexual characteristic to develop and appear in girls is the breast, which begins to develop between the ages of 8 and 12. Initially, the mammary glands that make up the breasts and the surrounding protective fat tissue form a button-like bulge in the breasts and the surrounding areola (breast bud stage). After that, the nipples begin to grow larger, the areola gradually expands, and the color of the breasts and areola gradually deepens. Around the age of 14 to 15, breast development becomes more obvious and the breasts become noticeably raised. At the age of 16 or 17, the breasts are full, with clear lines, slightly sunken areolas, and large and prominent nipples. At around the age of 18 or 20, the size and shape of the breasts are that of an adult woman (breast stage).

Through the above introduction, I think everyone is now clear about when girls begin to develop breasts and what the characteristics are. Now that you have learned these things, you can explain them to your children so that they can adapt to the changes in their bodies and grow up healthier and happier.